THE FARCE THAT IS VOTER REGISTRATION 2011

Nigeria's election commission, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) pledged to register 70 million eligible voters within a two week period. That period was to end on Saturday, January 29th. But as of that date, people across Nigeria were still seeking registration centers with equipment that worked. Sadly, this registration exercise and the incidents that occurred during the period looked like a farce and call into question the upcoming elections in April 2011.

Source: Reuters

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AN INTERESTING & HILARIOUS TAKE ON KIDNAPPING (VIDEOS)

I must admit, kidnapping is very serious and unfunny business. I detest the practice and have seen how it can destroy lives and cause incredible pain.

Yet, like any painful part of human existence, Nigerians have managed to take something so troubling and find some light in it.

Not sure how that is possible? Please watch the video below.

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NIGERIAN ELECTIONS & THE LACK OF SURPRISE

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the main political party in Nigeria. Its members hold many political positions at both the state government and the federal government level, including the executive office. And on January 13th, 2011, the party conducted it's primary elections to determine which individual would represent the party during the April presidential polls. While the event, which was televised and streamed live online was entertaining, especially with the one dimensional tone of a gentleman counting ballots, the main thing missing was the element of surprise. Meaning, it was clear to most that only one person would walk away with the ticket, which is what happened. This lack of surprise is a troubling aspect of Nigeria's road to true democracy. Depending on which angle it is considered from, it can be either negative or positive.

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NUHU RIBADU'S CAMPAIGN VIDEO

Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria's former anti-corruption czar, has a campaign video under his belt. While his competitors like Goodluck Jonathan have wasted no effort getting as much press as possible, Ribadu took some time to organize his team and prepare a strategy. The end result was that he won the ACN presidential primary unopposed on Friday, January 14th.

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NIGERIA 2011 ELECTIONS: CAN INEC DO IT?

Nigeria commenced its voter registration exercise on Saturday, January 15th in anticipation of upcoming elections. The first two days of registration have featured highs and lows. These first days also raise questions about the preparedness of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) and its ability to not only register voters within the time alloted but also conduct free and fair elections in April.

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VOTER REGISTRATION 2011: FIND YOUR CENTER

Voter registration day is here and Nigerians have taken to their closest center to get their names on the registration list. The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) has provided a map which highlights the various centers across the entire country.

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NIGERIAN VOTER REGISTRATION VIDEOS

The new year has been full of election happenings in Nigeria. From re-run elections in Delta State that left at least two dead, to complaints citizens that schools will be closed until after the voter registration period. There have also been political party primaries for the Action Congress of Nigeria party and the Peoples Democratic Party. And there has also been bit of the hilarious with the Witches and Wizards Association of Nigeria warning one presidential aspirant to drop out of the race lest he be "disgraced". All in all, things seem to be going according to plan.

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NIGERIA: TOP EMIGRATION & IMMIGRATION AFRICAN COUNTRY

According to the World Bank's Migration And Remittances Factbook 2011, 21.8 million Africans left the continent in 2010. That number represented a total of 2.5% of the continent's population. Nigerians apparently left the country in large numbers as well, representing the 6th largest group of emigrants.

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